The Prize
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
Some prizes are more motivating than others. I was at an RSL club a few days ago and saw the traditional meat raffle advertisement. At first I was like… don’t mind a meat raffle. Then I actually thought about it. A few snags, a T-Bone and a bunch of rissoles. Not actually that exciting. Certainly not enough to get me to the RSL on a Wednesday night.
But the prize that Paul is talking about is no RSL meat platter. It is the promised new creation.
Do you wish you had more time? The prize is eternal life.
Do you wish you had a healthier body? The prize is an imperishable body.
Do you wish you had seen more of the world? The prize is a new creation that you can explore forever.
Do you wish you had gotten to know people better? The prize is getting to truly know God’s people.
Do you wish you were happier? You will enjoy true life, shalom life, blessed life forever.
Do you wish that you knew Jesus better? You will see Him face to face.
Friends. The prize is greater than anything this side of heaven.
And so as we sweat and struggle for a paycheck. As we strive for a partner. As we labor for life's little pleasures. How much more should we press on and endure for the sake of this prize.
The question isn’t whether it’s worth whatever we might go through. The question is - do you see that it is.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father for His grace in giving us so great a prize in the new creation. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who won the prize and shares it with us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others press on towards the goal of eternity with Christ.
Philippians 3:12-14
Some prizes are more motivating than others. I was at an RSL club a few days ago and saw the traditional meat raffle advertisement. At first I was like… don’t mind a meat raffle. Then I actually thought about it. A few snags, a T-Bone and a bunch of rissoles. Not actually that exciting. Certainly not enough to get me to the RSL on a Wednesday night.
But the prize that Paul is talking about is no RSL meat platter. It is the promised new creation.
Do you wish you had more time? The prize is eternal life.
Do you wish you had a healthier body? The prize is an imperishable body.
Do you wish you had seen more of the world? The prize is a new creation that you can explore forever.
Do you wish you had gotten to know people better? The prize is getting to truly know God’s people.
Do you wish you were happier? You will enjoy true life, shalom life, blessed life forever.
Do you wish that you knew Jesus better? You will see Him face to face.
Friends. The prize is greater than anything this side of heaven.
And so as we sweat and struggle for a paycheck. As we strive for a partner. As we labor for life's little pleasures. How much more should we press on and endure for the sake of this prize.
The question isn’t whether it’s worth whatever we might go through. The question is - do you see that it is.
For Today:
- What is one thing you are striving for?
- What is one thing you are looking forward to in the new creation?
- Reflect on the prize of heaven today.
Pray:
Praise the Father for His grace in giving us so great a prize in the new creation. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who won the prize and shares it with us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others press on towards the goal of eternity with Christ.
Posted in Philippians
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